Fun & Fall Colors for Oct 6 to the 13th!

This will be a great weekend to come to the Devil’s Lake State Park region to take in some color and some colorful events nearby. Let’s dive in!

At A Glance

Standing on the north shore of Devil’s Lake and looking around at the surrounding bluffs you’ll see lots of green dotted with the colors of autumn. (See the gallery below.) In amongst the green, you’ll find some colorful zones. The park’s North Shore parking area is now going orange quickly. The East Bluff Woods trail is already showing off a pretty nice yellow canopy. And if you get out around a bit you’ll find islands of color wherever you go.

Top Recommendations This Week

East Bluff Woods Trail – At Devil’s Lake State Park this weekend our top hiking choice is the East Bluff Woods trail which is growing more yellow by the minute. Hiking up East Bluff Woods, then coming back on the East Bluff trail will make for a great, but probably busy, fall color loop this weekend.

Steinke Basin Trail – OK, so right now, the best color can be seen from the parking lot at Steinke Basin. There are some awesome candy-colored trees shouting out for attention. The downside is that beyond that gorgeous view from the parking area, the hiking trails themselves are still mostly green with a bit of yellow mixed in. Still, the 2-mile Steinke Basin Trail and the 4-mile Uplands trail will be great hikes this weekend!

Baxter’s Hollow SNA – Of the region’s most popular natural areas, Baxter’s Hollow, is showing lots of color right this moment. Baxter’s is only about 10 minutes from Devil’s Lake and on your way, you’ll see some beautiful colors along Hwy 12 near the top of the bluff and south of Ski-Hi Fruit Farm. We posted a video drive through Baxters on Youtube just yesterday, go here to check it out. And that’s the nice part if you can’t hike it’s ok. You can drive the one-lane road down to the end and back. Keep in mind that it gets tight when there’s a bit of traffic!

Bike The 400, Elroy-Sparta, or Omaha Trails – It seems like the color is coming on a bit stronger to the west and north of Baraboo. We explored areas around all the bike trails and road the Omaha Trail on Monday. There’s some beauty to be seen from the seat of your bike!

Photo Gallery

Each week I post a selection of photos from around the park and the area to give you a feel for where the colors are at. The “rule” here is that I am taking the photos right out of the camera with little editing so that you can see what the camera sees. Keep in mind that I’m shooting with a DSLR which will still look richer than most cell phone photos.

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Weekend Events

Three local events will keep you out enjoying the brisk but beautiful weekend.

Art DTour – Take in the final weekend of the Art/DTour to do a scenic drive in the driftless hills, while checking out art, live performances and unique food stands. Don’t miss the Native Art Marketplace featuring Ho-Chunk artist Jim Terry which is located at the Maa Wakacak art studio at Badger (Sauk Prairie Recreation Area) For details on the tour click here. And yes, you will see a lot of colorful trees along the route! BTW, while you’re on the route be sure to check out Natural Bridge State Park, and if you need a hiking break, head over to White Mound County Park which is only a few miles off the tour near Plain. We recommend the 3-mile (ish) Lake trail.

Fall Fair on the Square – This is a popular semi-annual arts and crafts show with food, a farmer’s market, children’s activities, live music and family entertainment. Includes 180+ artists and crafters from the Midwest. It’s a great time to explore Baraboo’s historic downtown square. Click here for details.

Durward’s Glen Fall Festival – Food, Arts & Crafts vendors, and more at a perfect fall location. Be sure to explore the grounds! More Info.

Weather?

Forecasters are calling for lows in the 30s with daytime temps in the 50s & 60s. It will be cool but should be sunny on Saturday and mixed on Sunday. Here’s one forecast.

Peak?

So when IS “peak” color? Well, I’m joining the folks saying somewhere between October 17th and the 25th. It’s getting more colorful by the minute, but we’ve still got a ways to go before we get that calico landscape folks are most anxious to see.

Wrap Up

I hope you find the time to get out and enjoy the fall colors this weekend. Keep in mind that it will be busy out there with fall color watchers and various events. Be extra vigilant out on the roads this weekend!